BREAD FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC. - Quarter Report: 2016 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

________________

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

R	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

	For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016

OR

£	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

	For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 001-15749

________________

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	31-1429215
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

7500 Dallas Parkway, Suite 700

Plano, Texas 75024

(Address of principal executive office, including zip code)

(214) 494-3000

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes R No £

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes R No £

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

	Large accelerated filer R	Accelerated filer £
	Non-accelerated filer £ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company £

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes £ No R

As of April 29, 2016, 58,939,771 shares of common stock were outstanding.

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

INDEX

		Page Number
Part I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements (unaudited)
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015	6
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	30
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	39
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	39
Part II: OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	40
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	40
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	42
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	42
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	42
Item 5.	Other Information	42
Item 6.	Exhibits	43
SIGNATURES		45

Index

PART I

Item 1.

Financial Statements.

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


	March 31, 2016			December 31, 2015
	(In millions, except per share amounts)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	970.0		$	1,168.0
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts ($7.5 and $4.0 at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)		595.8			706.5
Credit card and loan receivables:
Credit card receivables – restricted for securitization investors		9,509.3			10,592.4
Other credit card and loan receivables		3,980.8			3,207.1
Total credit card and loan receivables		13,490.1			13,799.5
Allowance for loan loss		(727.2	)		(741.6	)
Credit card and loan receivables, net		12,762.9			13,057.9
Credit card and loan receivables held for sale		507.4			95.5
Deferred tax asset, net		—			288.1
Inventories, net		240.1			228.0
Other current assets		658.8			249.8
Redemption settlement assets, restricted		495.2			456.6
Total current assets		16,230.2			16,250.4
Property and equipment, net		574.8			576.7
Deferred tax asset, net		2.0			0.6
Intangible assets, net		1,187.4			1,203.7
Goodwill		3,847.6			3,814.1
Other non-current assets		557.1			504.4
Total assets	$	22,399.1		$	22,349.9
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	$	404.0		$	442.4
Accrued expenses		323.3			566.5
Current portion of deposits		3,149.0			2,980.3
Current portion of non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		1,389.8			1,049.3
Current portion of long-term and other debt		373.2			369.4
Other current liabilities		290.4			294.5
Deferred revenue		713.4			699.0
Deferred tax liability, net		—			1.7
Total current liabilities		6,643.1			6,403.1
Deferred revenue		151.5			145.9
Deferred tax liability, net		347.0			631.5
Deposits		2,933.6			2,625.6
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		4,934.3			5,433.4
Long-term and other debt		5,151.0			4,648.0
Other liabilities		305.0			285.0
Total liabilities		20,465.5			20,172.5
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Redeemable non-controlling interest		192.4			167.4
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized, 200.0 shares; issued, 112.3 shares and 112.1 shares at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively		1.1			1.1
Additional paid-in capital		2,975.7			2,981.0
Treasury stock, at cost, 53.3 shares and 51.3 shares at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively		(4,341.1	)		(3,927.3	)
Retained earnings		3,233.7			3,092.5
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(128.2	)		(137.3	)
Total stockholders' equity		1,741.2			2,010.0
Total liabilities and equity	$	22,399.1		$	22,349.9

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
	(In millions, except per share amounts)
Revenues
Transaction	$	82.5	$	93.3
Redemption		278.2		308.1
Finance charges, net		808.0		679.5
Marketing services		452.0		471.2
Other revenue		55.4		49.1
Total revenue		1,676.1		1,601.2
Operating expenses
Cost of operations (exclusive of depreciation and amortization disclosed separately below)		1,003.9		990.0
Provision for loan loss		171.9		134.9
General and administrative		27.6		30.2
Depreciation and other amortization		39.8		33.6
Amortization of purchased intangibles		88.6		88.0
Total operating expenses		1,331.8		1,276.7
Operating income		344.3		324.5
Interest expense
Securitization funding costs		30.4		23.8
Interest expense on deposits		17.2		11.7
Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net		51.2		42.5
Total interest expense, net		98.8		78.0
Income before income tax	$	245.5	$	246.5
Provision for income taxes		86.6		81.7
Net income	$	158.9	$	164.8
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest		1.8		2.2
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	157.1	$	162.6

Net income attributable to common stockholders per share:
Basic	$	2.36	$	2.34
Diluted	$	2.35	$	2.32

Weighted average shares:
Basic		59.8		63.1
Diluted		60.2		63.6

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
	(In millions)

Net income	$	158.9		$	164.8

Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale		3.0			1.4
Tax expense		(1.1	)		(0.5	)
Unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale, net of tax		1.9			0.9

Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges		(3.3	)		(3.2	)
Tax benefit		0.9			0.8
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax		(2.4	)		(2.4	)

Unrealized loss on net investment hedge		(15.6	)		—

Foreign currency translation adjustments		25.2			(62.6	)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		9.1			(64.1	)

Total comprehensive income, net of tax	$	168.0		$	100.7
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest		1.2			2.7
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$	166.8		$	98.0

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
	(In millions)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	158.9		$	164.8
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		128.4			121.6
Deferred income taxes		(2.7	)		(1.6	)
Provision for loan loss		171.9			134.9
Non-cash stock compensation		19.9			27.5
Amortization of deferred financing costs		8.4			7.8
Change in deferred revenue		(32.4	)		(28.0	)
Change in contingent liability		—			(99.6	)
Change in other operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions		(236.1	)		(98.6	)
Originations of credit card and loan receivables held for sale		(1,623.0	)		(1,373.2	)
Sales of credit card and loan receivables held for sale		1,621.4			1,343.8
Other		42.7			(24.7	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		257.4			174.7

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Change in redemption settlement assets		(8.0	)		(12.6	)
Change in restricted cash		(312.2	)		(0.7	)
Change in credit card and loan receivables		383.9			401.8
Purchase of credit card portfolios		(755.3	)		—
Capital expenditures		(54.9	)		(42.4	)
Purchases of other investments		(3.8	)		(7.8	)
Maturities/sales of other investments		3.7			2.2
Other		(1.1	)		(3.2	)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(747.7	)		337.3

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings under debt agreements		1,712.9			1,001.7
Repayments of borrowings		(1,227.2	)		(334.4	)
Payment of acquisition-related contingent consideration		—			(205.9	)
Acquisition of non-controlling interest		(102.0	)		(87.4	)
Issuances of deposits		1,136.9			406.7
Repayments of deposits		(659.5	)		(669.8	)
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		880.0			305.0
Repayments/maturities of non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		(1,040.0	)		(700.0	)
Payment of deferred financing costs		(4.3	)		(1.4	)
Purchase of treasury shares		(408.8	)		(542.6	)
Other		(1.6	)		16.4
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		286.4			(811.7	)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		5.9			(17.1	)
Change in cash and cash equivalents		(198.0	)		(316.8	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		1,168.0			1,077.2
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	970.0		$	760.4

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest paid	$	84.6		$	70.4
Income taxes paid, net	$	112.7		$	21.7

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Alliance Data Systems Corporation ("ADSC" or, including its consolidated subsidiaries and variable interest entities ("VIEs"), the "Company"), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on February 25, 2016.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal, recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to state fairly the results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for any subsequent interim period or for the fiscal year.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (1) the reported amounts of assets; (2) liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and (3) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

For purposes of comparability, certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation in accordance with GAAP.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. Companies may adopt ASU 2014-09 using a full retrospective approach or report the cumulative effect as of the date of adoption. On July 9, 2015, the FASB voted to defer the effective date by one year to December 15, 2017 for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after that date and permitted early adoption of the standard, but not before the original effective date of December 15, 2016. The Company is evaluating the impact that adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, "Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory." ASU 2015-11 changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. ASU 2015-11 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to materially impact its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, "Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." ASU 2016-01 requires that equity investments be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. For equity investments without readily determinable fair values, entities have the option to either measure these investments at fair value or at cost adjusted for changes in observable prices minus impairment. Additionally, ASU 2016-01 requires entities that elect the fair value option for financial liabilities to recognize changes in fair value related to instrument-specific credit risk in other comprehensive income. Finally, entities must assess valuation allowances for deferred tax assets related to available-for-sale debt securities in combination with their other deferred tax assets. ASU 2016-01 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact that adoption of ASU 2016-01 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)," that replaces existing lease guidance. The new standard is intended to provide enhanced transparency and comparability by requiring lessees to record right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities on the balance sheet. The new guidance will continue to classify leases as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of income. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The new standard is required to be applied with a modified retrospective approach to each prior reporting period presented with various optional practical expedients. The Company is evaluating the impact that adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." ASU 2016-09 simplifies certain aspects of share-based transactions, including income taxes consequences, forfeitures, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact that adoption of ASU 2016-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, "Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis," which amended the consolidation requirements in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 810, "Consolidation." ASU 2015-02 makes targeted amendments to the current consolidation guidance for VIEs. ASU 2015-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with retrospective or modified retrospective application allowed. The Company adopted this standard as of January 1, 2016 with modified retrospective application. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs." ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Subsequently, in August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, "Imputation of Interest," which adds SEC staff guidance on the presentation of debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements, allowing for the deferral and presentation of debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequent amortization of the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The Company maintained the deferral and presentation of these line-of-credit debt issuance costs as an asset. ASU 2015-03 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with retrospective application required. The Company adopted this standard as of January 1, 2016 with retrospective application. Under ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15, unamortized debt issuance costs of $72.0 million were reclassified from other non-current assets to a reduction of debt as of December 31, 2015 in the consolidated balance sheets.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, "Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement." ASU 2015-05 provides guidance about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license and is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with retrospective or prospective application allowed. The Company adopted this standard as of January 1, 2016 with prospective application. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes." ASU 2015-17 requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. ASU 2015-17 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with retrospective or prospective application allowed and early adoption permitted. The Company's prospective adoption of this standard resulted in a reduction in current deferred tax assets of $288.1 million, a reduction in current deferred tax liabilities of $1.7 million, an increase in non-current deferred tax assets of $0.2 million and a reduction in non-current deferred tax liabilities of $286.2 million as of January 1, 2016. Prior period amounts were not restated.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

2. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2016	2015
	(In millions, except per share amounts)
Numerator:
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	157.1	$	162.6
Less: Accretion of redeemable non-controlling interest		15.9		15.2
Net income attributable to common stockholders after accretion of redeemable non-controlling interest	$	141.2	$	147.4

Denominator:
Weighted average shares, basic		59.8		63.1
Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
Net effect of dilutive stock options and unvested restricted stock		0.4		0.5
Denominator for diluted calculations		60.2		63.6

Net income attributable to common stockholders per share:
Basic	$	2.36	$	2.34
Diluted	$	2.35	$	2.32

For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, a de minimis amount of restricted stock units was excluded from each calculation of weighted average dilutive common shares as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

3. CREDIT CARD AND LOAN RECEIVABLES

The Company's credit card and loan receivables are the only portfolio segment or class of financing receivables. Quantitative information about the components of credit card and loan receivables is presented in the table below:

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
	(In millions)
Principal receivables	$	12,881.4	$	13,196.4
Billed and accrued finance charges		527.4		537.8
Other credit card receivables		81.3		65.3
Total credit card and loan receivables		13,490.1		13,799.5
Less credit card receivables – restricted for securitization investors		9,509.3		10,592.4
Other credit card and loan receivables	$	3,980.8	$	3,207.1

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Allowance for Loan Loss

The Company maintains an allowance for loan loss at a level that is appropriate to absorb probable losses inherent in credit card and loan receivables. The allowance for loan loss covers forecasted uncollectible principal as well as unpaid interest and fees. The allowance for loan loss is evaluated monthly for appropriateness.

In estimating the allowance for principal loan losses, management utilizes a migration analysis of delinquent and current credit card and loan receivables. Migration analysis is a technique used to estimate the likelihood that a credit card or loan receivable will progress through the various stages of delinquency and to charge-off. The allowance is maintained through an adjustment to the provision for loan loss. Charge-offs of principal amounts, net of recoveries are deducted from the allowance. In estimating the allowance for uncollectible unpaid interest and fees, the Company utilizes historical charge-off trends, analyzing actual charge-offs for the prior three months. The allowance is maintained through an adjustment to finance charges, net. In evaluating the allowance for loan loss for both principal and unpaid interest and fees, management also considers factors that may impact loan loss experience, including seasoning and growth, account collection strategies, economic conditions, bankruptcy filings, policy changes, payment rates and forecasting uncertainties.

The following table presents the Company's allowance for loan loss for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
	(In millions)
Balance at beginning of period	$	741.6		$	570.2
Provision for loan loss		171.9			134.9
Allowance associated with credit card and loan receivables transferred to held for sale		(15.0	)		—
Change in estimate for uncollectible unpaid interest and fees		5.0			1.5
Recoveries		56.9			39.5
Principal charge-offs		(233.2	)		(159.4	)
Balance at end of period	$	727.2		$	586.7

Net charge-offs include the principal amount of losses from credit cardholders unwilling or unable to pay their account balances, as well as bankrupt and deceased credit cardholders, less recoveries and exclude charged-off interest, fees and fraud losses. Charged‑off interest and fees reduce finance charges, net while fraud losses are recorded as an expense. Credit card and loan receivables, including unpaid interest and fees, are charged-off at the end of the month during which an account becomes 180 days contractually past due, except in the case of customer bankruptcies or death. Credit card and loan receivables, including unpaid interest and fees, associated with customer bankruptcies or death are charged-off at the end of each month subsequent to 60 days after the receipt of notification of the bankruptcy or death, but in any case, not later than the 180-day contractual time frame.

The Company records the actual charge-offs for unpaid interest and fees as a reduction to finance charges, net. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, actual charge-offs for unpaid interest and fees were $118.2 million and $85.4 million, respectively.

Delinquencies

A credit card account is contractually delinquent if the Company does not receive the minimum payment by the specified due date on the cardholder's statement. It is the Company's policy to continue to accrue interest and fee income on all credit card accounts beyond 90 days, except in limited circumstances, until the credit card account balance and all related interest and other fees are paid or charged-off, typically at 180 days delinquent. When an account becomes delinquent, a message is printed on the credit cardholder's billing statement requesting payment. After an account becomes 30 days past due, a proprietary collection scoring algorithm automatically scores the risk of the account becoming further delinquent. The collection system then recommends a collection strategy for the past due account based on the collection score and account balance and dictates the contact schedule and collections priority for the account. If the Company is unable to make a collection after exhausting all in-house collection efforts, the Company may engage collection agencies and outside attorneys to continue those efforts.

The following table presents the delinquency trends of the Company's credit card and loan receivables portfolio:

	March 31, 2016		% of Total			December 31, 2015		% of Total
			(In millions, except percentages)
Receivables outstanding – principal	$	12,881.4		100.0	%	$	13,196.4		100.0	%
Principal receivables balances contractually delinquent:
31 to 60 days		174.5		1.4	%		178.5		1.4	%
61 to 90 days		125.5		1.0			124.1		0.9
91 or more days		247.9		1.9			257.0		1.9
Total	$	547.9		4.3	%	$	559.6		4.2	%

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Modified Credit Card Receivables

The Company holds certain credit card receivables for which the terms have been modified. The Company's modified credit card receivables include credit card receivables for which temporary hardship concessions have been granted and credit card receivables in permanent workout programs. These modified credit card receivables include concessions consisting primarily of a reduced minimum payment and an interest rate reduction. The temporary programs' concessions remain in place for a period no longer than twelve months, while the permanent programs remain in place through the payoff of the credit card receivables if the credit cardholder complies with the terms of the program. These concessions do not include the forgiveness of unpaid principal, but may involve the reversal of certain unpaid interest or fee assessments. In the case of the temporary programs, at the end of the concession period, credit card receivable terms revert to standard rates. These arrangements are automatically terminated if the customer fails to make payments in accordance with the terms of the program, at which time their account reverts back to its original terms.

Credit card receivables for which temporary hardship and permanent concessions were granted are each considered troubled debt restructurings and are collectively evaluated for impairment. Modified credit card receivables are evaluated at their present value with impairment measured as the difference between the credit card receivable balance and the discounted present value of cash flows expected to be collected. Consistent with the Company's measurement of impairment of modified credit card receivables on a pooled basis, the discount rate used for credit card receivables is the average current annual percentage rate the Company applies to non-impaired credit card receivables, which approximates what would have been applied to the pool of modified credit card receivables prior to impairment. In assessing the appropriate allowance for loan loss, these modified credit card receivables are included in the general pool of credit card receivables with the allowance determined under the contingent loss model of ASC 450-20, "Loss Contingencies." If the Company applied accounting under ASC 310-40, "Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors," to the modified credit card receivables in these programs, there would not be a material difference in the allowance for loan loss.

The Company had $181.7 million and $169.2 million, respectively, as a recorded investment in impaired credit card receivables with an associated allowance for loan loss of $39.3 million and $36.7 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. These modified credit card receivables represented less than 2% of the Company's total credit card receivables as of both March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

The average recorded investment in impaired credit card receivables was $174.8 million and $134.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Interest income on these modified credit card receivables is accounted for in the same manner as other accruing credit card receivables. Cash collections on these modified credit card receivables are allocated according to the same payment hierarchy methodology applied to credit card receivables that are not in such programs. The Company recognized $4.4 million and $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, in interest income associated with modified credit card receivables during the period that such credit card receivables were impaired.

The following tables provide information on credit card receivables that are considered troubled debt restructurings as described above, which entered into a modification program during the specified periods:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016						Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Number of Restructurings		Pre-modification Outstanding Balance		Post-modification Outstanding Balance		Number of Restructurings		Pre-modification Outstanding Balance		Post-modification Outstanding Balance
	(Dollars in millions)
Troubled debt restructurings – credit card receivables		50,761	$	60.6	$	60.5		39,014	$	42.5	$	42.4

The tables below summarize troubled debt restructurings that have defaulted in the specified periods where the default occurred within 12 months of their modification date:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016				Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Number of Restructurings		Outstanding Balance		Number of Restructurings		Outstanding Balance
	(Dollars in millions)
Troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted – credit card receivables		23,693	$	25.4		18,393	$	18.3

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Age of Credit Card and Loan Receivable Accounts

The following tables set forth, as of March 31, 2016 and 2015, the number of active credit card and loan receivable accounts with balances and the related principal balances outstanding, based upon the age of the active credit card and loan receivable accounts from origination:

	March 31, 2016
Age of Accounts Since Origination	Number of Active Accounts with Balances		Percentage of Active Accounts with Balances			Principal Receivables Outstanding		Percentage of Principal Receivables Outstanding
	(In millions, except percentages)
0-12 Months		5.9		27.2	%	$	3,354.8		26.0	%
13-24 Months		3.5		16.1			2,219.2		17.2
25-36 Months		2.3		10.7			1,521.4		11.8
37-48 Months		1.7		7.9			1,037.8		8.1
49-60 Months		1.3		6.2			742.9		5.8
Over 60 Months		6.9		31.9			4,005.3		31.1
Total		21.6		100.0	%	$	12,881.4		100.0	%

	March 31, 2015
Age of Accounts Since Origination	Number of Active Accounts with Balances		Percentage of Active Accounts with Balances			Principal Receivables Outstanding		Percentage of Principal Receivables Outstanding
	(In millions, except percentages)
0-12 Months		5.6		29.7	%	$	2,635.4		25.7	%
13-24 Months		2.8		14.8			1,542.4		15.0
25-36 Months		1.9		10.3			1,089.6		10.6
37-48 Months		1.4		7.4			815.9		8.0
49-60 Months		1.0		5.5			611.0		6.0
Over 60 Months		6.0		32.3			3,552.1		34.7
Total		18.7		100.0	%	$	10,246.4		100.0	%

Credit Quality

The Company uses proprietary scoring models developed specifically for the purpose of monitoring the Company's obligor credit quality. The proprietary scoring models are used as a tool in the underwriting process and for making credit decisions. The proprietary scoring models are based on historical data and require various assumptions about future performance. Information regarding customer performance is factored into these proprietary scoring models to determine the probability of an account becoming 90 or more days past due at any time within the next 12 months. Obligor credit quality is monitored at least monthly during the life of an account. The following table reflects composition of the Company's credit card and loan receivables by obligor credit quality as of March 31, 2016 and 2015:

	March 31, 2016					March 31, 2015
Probability of an Account Becoming 90 or More Days Past Due or Becoming Charged-off (within the next 12 months)	Total Principal Receivables Outstanding		Percentage of Principal Receivables Outstanding			Total Principal Receivables Outstanding		Percentage of Principal Receivables Outstanding
			(In millions, except percentages)
No Score	$	324.6		2.5	%	$	195.4		1.9	%
27.1% and higher		1,310.0		10.2			564.8		5.5
17.1% - 27.0%		793.6		6.2			1,017.8		9.9
12.6% - 17.0%		1,035.3		8.0			1,178.4		11.5
3.7% - 12.5%		5,709.8		44.3			4,262.6		41.6
1.9% - 3.6%		1,640.2		12.7			1,939.9		19.0
Lower than 1.9%		2,067.9		16.1			1,087.5		10.6
Total	$	12,881.4		100.0	%	$	10,246.4		100.0	%

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Transfer of Financial Assets

The Company originates loans under an agreement with one of its clients, and after origination, these loan receivables are sold to the client at par value plus accrued interest. These transfers qualify for sale treatment as they meet the conditions established in ASC 860-10, "Transfers and Servicing." Following the sale, the client owns the loan receivables, bears the risk of loss in the event of loan defaults and is responsible for all servicing functions related to the loan receivables. The loan receivables originated by the Company that have not yet been sold to the client were $64.1 million and $61.5 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and are included in credit card and loan receivables held for sale in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and carried at the lower of cost or fair value. The carrying value of these loan receivables approximates fair value due to the short duration between the date of origination and sale. Originations and sales of these loan receivables held for sale are reflected as operating activities in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

Upon the client's purchase of the originated loan receivables, the Company is obligated to purchase a participating interest in a pool of loan receivables that includes the loan receivables originated by the Company. Such interest participates on a pro rata basis in the cash flows of the underlying pool of loan receivables, including principal repayments, finance charges, losses and recoveries. The Company bears the risk of loss related to its participation interest in this pool.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company purchased $81.0 million and $67.2 million, respectively, of loan receivables under these agreements. The total outstanding balance of these loan receivables was $222.7 million and $222.6 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and was included in other credit card and loan receivables in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Portfolios Held for Sale

The Company has certain credit card portfolios held for sale, which are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, of $443.3 million and $34.0 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. In the first quarter of 2016, the Company transferred two credit card portfolios totaling approximately $415.3 million into credit card and loan receivables held for sale. The portfolios were transferred at the net carrying amount, inclusive of the related reserves for losses of $15.0 million, which approximates the lower of cost or fair value and which will be the measurement basis until the sale of the portfolios.

Portfolio Acquisitions

In the first quarter of 2016, the Company purchased three existing private label credit card portfolios for consideration of approximately $755.3 million, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. The preliminary purchase price allocation consists of approximately $704.5 million of credit card receivables and $50.8 million of intangible assets.

Securitized Credit Card Receivables

The Company regularly securitizes its credit card receivables through its credit card securitization trusts, consisting of the World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust, World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust ("Master Trust I") and World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust III ("Master Trust III") (collectively, the "WFN Trusts"), and World Financial Capital Credit Card Master Note Trust (the "WFC Trust"). The Company continues to own and service the accounts that generate credit card receivables held by the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust. In its capacity as a servicer, each of the respective banks earns a fee from the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust to service and administer the credit card receivables, collect payments and charge-off uncollectible receivables. These fees are eliminated and therefore are not reflected in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.

The WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust are VIEs and the assets of these consolidated VIEs include certain credit card receivables that are restricted to settle the obligations of those entities and are not expected to be available to the Company or its creditors. The liabilities of the consolidated VIEs include non-recourse secured borrowings and other liabilities for which creditors or beneficial interest holders do not have recourse to the general credit of the Company.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

The tables below present quantitative information about the components of total securitized credit card receivables, delinquencies and net charge-offs:

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
	(In millions)
Total credit card receivables – restricted for securitization investors	$	9,509.3	$	10,592.4
Principal amount of credit card receivables – restricted for securitization investors, 90 days or more past due	$	173.9	$	198.8

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
	(In millions)
Net charge-offs of securitized principal	$	144.4	$	98.8

4. INVENTORIES, NET

Inventories, net of $240.1 million and $228.0 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, primarily consist of finished goods to be utilized as rewards in the Company's loyalty programs. Inventories, net are stated at the lower of cost or market and valued primarily on a first-in-first-out basis. The Company records valuation adjustments to its inventories if the cost of inventory exceeds the amount it expects to realize from the ultimate sale or disposal of the inventory. These estimates are based on management's judgment regarding future market conditions and an analysis of historical experience.

5. OTHER INVESTMENTS

Other investments consist of marketable securities and U.S. Treasury bonds and are included in other current assets and other assets in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The principal components of other investments, which are carried at fair value, are as follows:

	March 31, 2016									December 31, 2015
	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
	(In millions)
Marketable securities	$	121.5	$	1.3	$	(0.6	)	$	122.2	$	121.5	$	0.4	$	(1.7	)	$	120.2
U.S. Treasury bonds		100.0		1.0		—			101.0		100.1		0.2		(0.1	)		100.2
Total	$	221.5	$	2.3	$	(0.6	)	$	223.2	$	221.6	$	0.6	$	(1.8	)	$	220.4

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

The following tables show the unrealized losses and fair value for those investments that were in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position:

	March 31, 2016
	Less than 12 months					12 Months or Greater					Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
	(In millions)
Marketable securities	$	10.3	$	(0.2	)	$	39.0	$	(0.4	)	$	49.3	$	(0.6	)
Total	$	10.3	$	(0.2	)	$	39.0	$	(0.4	)	$	49.3	$	(0.6	)

	December 31, 2015
	Less than 12 months					12 Months or Greater					Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
	(In millions)
Marketable securities	$	40.8	$	(0.7	)	$	34.6	$	(1.0	)	$	75.4	$	(1.7	)
U.S. Treasury bonds		50.0		(0.1	)		—		—			50.0		(0.1	)
Total	$	90.8	$	(0.8	)	$	34.6	$	(1.0	)	$	125.4	$	(1.8	)

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the marketable securities and U.S. Treasury bonds at March 31, 2016 by contractual maturity are as follows:

	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(In millions)
Due in one year or less	$	31.8	$	31.8
Due after one year through five years		75.0		76.0
Due after five years through ten years		3.7		3.8
Due after ten years		111.0		111.6
Total	$	221.5	$	223.2

Market values were determined for each individual security in the investment portfolio. When evaluating the investments for other-than-temporary impairment, the Company reviews factors such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost basis, the financial condition of the security's issuer, and the Company's intent to sell the security and whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. The Company typically invests in highly-rated securities with low probabilities of default and has the intent and ability to hold the investments until maturity. As of March 31, 2016, the Company does not consider the investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

There were no realized gains or losses from the sale of investment securities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

6. REDEMPTION SETTLEMENT ASSETS

Redemption settlement assets consist of restricted cash and securities available-for-sale and are designated for settling redemptions by collectors of the AIR MILES^® Reward Program in Canada under certain contractual relationships with sponsors of the AIR MILES Reward Program. The principal components of redemption settlement assets, which are carried at fair value, are as follows:

	March 31, 2016									December 31, 2015
	Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
	(In millions)
Restricted cash	$	224.9	$	—	$	—		$	224.9	$	270.3	$	—	$	—		$	270.3
Mutual funds		26.8		—		(0.1	)		26.7		25.2		—		(0.3	)		24.9
Corporate bonds		242.7		1.1		(0.2	)		243.6		160.4		1.1		(0.1	)		161.4
Total	$	494.4	$	1.1	$	(0.3	)	$	495.2	$	455.9	$	1.1	$	(0.4	)	$	456.6

The following table shows the unrealized losses and fair value for those investments that were in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position:

	March 31, 2016
	Less than 12 months					12 Months or Greater				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
	(In millions)
Mutual funds	$	26.7	$	(0.1	)	$	—	$	—	$	26.7	$	(0.1	)
Corporate bonds		70.1		(0.2	)		—		—		70.1		(0.2	)
Total	$	96.8	$	(0.3	)	$	—	$	—	$	96.8	$	(0.3	)

	December 31, 2015
	Less than 12 months					12 Months or Greater				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
	(In millions)
Mutual funds	$	24.9	$	(0.3	)	$	—	$	—	$	24.9	$	(0.3	)
Corporate bonds		27.8		(0.1	)		—		—		27.8		(0.1	)
Total	$	52.7	$	(0.4	)	$	—	$	—	$	52.7	$	(0.4	)

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the securities at March 31, 2016 by contractual maturity are as follows:

	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(In millions)
Due in one year or less	$	94.6	$	94.9
Due after one year through five years		174.9		175.4
Total	$	269.5	$	270.3

There were no realized gains or losses from the sale of investment securities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

7. INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of the following:

	March 31, 2016
	Gross Assets		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Amortization Life and Method
	(In millions)
Finite Lived Assets
Customer contracts and lists	$	1,210.6	$	(410.4	)	$	800.2	3-12 years—straight line
Premium on purchased credit card portfolios		310.3		(127.7	)		182.6	3-10 years—straight line
Customer database		210.3		(172.4	)		37.9	3-10 years—straight line
Collector database		53.8		(50.9	)		2.9	30 years—15% declining balance
Publisher networks		140.2		(36.1	)		104.1	5-7 years—straight line
Tradenames		85.9		(48.8	)		37.1	2-15 years—straight line
Purchased data lists		11.8		(6.3	)		5.5	1-5 years—straight line, accelerated
Favorable lease		6.9		(2.2	)		4.7	3-10 years—straight line
	$	2,029.8	$	(854.8	)	$	1,175.0
Indefinite Lived Assets
Tradenames		12.4		—			12.4	Indefinite life
Total intangible assets	$	2,042.2	$	(854.8	)	$	1,187.4

	December 31, 2015
	Gross Assets		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Amortization Life and Method
	(In millions)
Finite Lived Assets
Customer contracts and lists	$	1,195.2	$	(361.6	)	$	833.6	3-12 years—straight line
Premium on purchased credit card portfolios		259.5		(114.0	)		145.5	3-10 years—straight line, accelerated
Customer database		210.3		(163.1	)		47.2	3-10 years—straight line
Collector database		50.5		(47.7	)		2.8	30 years—15% declining balance
Publisher networks		140.2		(29.2	)		111.0	5-7 years—straight line
Tradenames		84.8		(44.1	)		40.7	2-15 years—straight line
Purchased data lists		11.9		(6.4	)		5.5	1-5 years—straight line, accelerated
Favorable lease		6.9		(1.9	)		5.0	3-10 years—straight line
Noncompete agreements		1.3		(1.3	)		—	3 years—straight line
	$	1,960.6	$	(769.3	)	$	1,191.3
Indefinite Lived Assets
Tradenames		12.4		—			12.4	Indefinite life
Total intangible assets	$	1,973.0	$	(769.3	)	$	1,203.7

With the credit card portfolio acquisitions made during the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company acquired $50.8 million of intangible assets, consisting of $9.9 million of customer relationships being amortized over a weighted average life of 4.6 years and $40.9 million of marketing relationships being amortized over a weighted average life of 9.0 years. For more information on these portfolio acquisitions, see Note 3, "Credit Card and Loan Receivables."

The estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets for the next five years and thereafter is as follows:

	For the Years Ending December 31,
	(In millions)
2016 (excluding the three months ended March 31, 2016)	$	235.9
2017		279.7
2018		226.7
2019		180.3
2020		126.6
2021 & thereafter		125.8

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:

	LoyaltyOne^®			Epsilon^®			Card Services		Corporate/Other		Total
	(In millions)
January 1, 2015	$	713.5		$	2,890.3		$	261.7	$	—	$	3,865.5
Goodwill acquired during the year		34.7			—			—		—		34.7
Effects of foreign currency translation		(84.7	)		(1.4	)		—		—		(86.1	)
December 31, 2015		663.5			2,888.9			261.7		—		3,814.1
Effects of foreign currency translation		34.0			(0.5	)		—		—		33.5
March 31, 2016	$	697.5		$	2,888.4		$	261.7	$	—	$	3,847.6

8. DEBT

In connection with the Company's adoption of ASU 2015-03, the December 31, 2015 debt balances have been retrospectively adjusted for unamortized discount and debt issuance costs. Debt consists of the following:

Description	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015		Maturity	Interest Rate
	(Dollars in millions)
Long-term and other debt:
2013 revolving line of credit	$	982.0	$	465.0	July 2018 or December 2019		⁽¹⁾
2013 term loans		2,670.6		2,703.8	Various⁽²⁾		⁽¹⁾
BrandLoyalty revolving line of credit		75.0		69.7	August 2018		⁽³⁾
Senior notes due 2017		400.0		400.0	December 2017		5.250%
Senior notes due 2020		500.0		500.0	April 2020		6.375%
Senior notes due 2022		600.0		600.0	August 2022		5.375%
Senior notes due 2023 (€300.0 million)		341.4		325.8	November 2023		5.250%
Capital lease obligations and other debt		0.1		—	January 2019		3.06%
Total long-term and other debt		5,569.1		5,064.3
Less: unamortized discount and debt issuance costs		44.9		46.9
Less: current portion		373.2		369.4
Long-term portion	$	5,151.0	$	4,648.0

Deposits:
Certificates of deposit	$	4,527.4	$	4,252.0	Various – April 2016 – November 2021		0.43% to 2.80%
Money market deposits		1,572.4		1,370.3	On demand		⁽⁴⁾
Total deposits		6,099.8		5,622.3
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs		17.2		16.4
Less: current portion		3,149.0		2,980.3
Long-term portion	$	2,933.6	$	2,625.6

Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities:
Fixed rate asset-backed term note securities	$	3,458.2	$	3,458.2	Various - May 2016 – August 2020		0.91% to 4.55%
Floating rate asset-backed term note securities		360.0		810.0	April 2018		⁽⁵⁾
Conduit asset-backed securities		2,515.0		2,225.0	Various - March 2017 – December 2017		⁽⁶⁾
Total non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		6,333.2		6,493.2
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs		9.1		10.5
Less: current portion		1,389.8		1,049.3
Long-term portion	$	4,934.3	$	5,433.4

⁽¹⁾	The interest rate is based upon the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus an applicable margin. At March 31, 2016, the weighted average interest rate was 2.44% and 2.45% for the 2013 revolving line of credit and 2013 term loans, respectively.

⁽²⁾	The maturity dates for the 2013 term loans are September 2016, July 2018 and December 2019.

⁽³⁾	The interest rate is based upon the Euro Interbank Offered Rate plus an applicable margin. At March 31, 2016, the weighted average interest rate was 0.85%.

⁽⁴⁾	The interest rates are based on the Federal Funds rate plus an applicable margin. At March 31, 2016, the interest rates ranged from 0.48% to 0.67%.

⁽⁵⁾	The interest rate is based upon LIBOR plus an applicable margin. At March 31, 2016, the interest rate was 0.92%.

⁽⁶⁾	The interest rate is based upon LIBOR or the asset-backed commercial paper costs of each individual conduit provider plus an applicable margin. At March 31, 2016, the interest rates ranged from 1.40% to 1.64%.

At March 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Long-term and Other Debt

ADSC, as borrower, and ADS Alliance Data Systems, Inc., ADS Foreign Holdings, Inc., Alliance Data Foreign Holdings, Inc., Epsilon Data Management, LLC, Comenity LLC, Comenity Servicing LLC, Aspen Marketing Services, LLC, Conversant LLC and Commission Junction, LLC as guarantors, are party to a credit agreement that provides for a $2.85 billion term loan (the "2013 term loans") with certain principal repayments and a $1.3 billion revolving line of credit (the "2013 revolving line of credit" and together with the 2013 term loans, the "2013 Credit Agreement"). Total availability under the 2013 revolving line of credit at March 31, 2016 was $318.0 million.

In April 2016, the Company extended the maturity of certain term loans with principal amount of $200.0 million from September 2016 to September 2017 and exercised in part the accordion feature to borrow incremental term loans in the aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million that bear interest at the same rates as, and are generally subject to the same terms as, the 2013 term loans.

Non-Recourse Borrowings of Consolidated Securitization Entities

Asset-Backed Term Notes

In February 2016, $450.0 million of Series 2014-A asset-backed term notes, $175.0 million of which were retained by the Company and eliminated from the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, matured and were repaid.

As of March 31, 2016, the Company collected $311.7 million of principal payments made by its credit cardholders during the accumulation period for the repayment of $500.0 million of Series 2013-B asset-backed term notes maturing in May 2016. The cash is restricted to the securitization investors and is reflected in other current assets in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2016.

9. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The Company uses derivatives to manage risks associated with certain assets and liabilities arising from the potential adverse impact of fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company was not a party to any interest rate derivative instruments at March 31, 2016 or December 31, 2015.

The Company enters into certain foreign currency derivatives to reduce the volatility of the Company's cash flows resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates associated with certain inventory transactions, certain of which are designated as cash flow hedges.

Additionally, in November 2015, the Company designated its Euro-denominated Senior Notes due 2023 as a net investment hedge of its investment in BrandLoyalty Group B.V. ("BrandLoyalty"), which has a functional currency of the Euro, in order to reduce the volatility in stockholders' equity caused by the changes in foreign currency exchange rates of the Euro with respect to the U.S. dollar. The change in fair value of the Senior Notes due 2023 due to remeasurement of the effective portion is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). The ineffective portion of this hedging instrument impacts net income when the ineffectiveness occurs. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, losses of $15.6 million, net of tax, were recognized in other comprehensive income and no ineffectiveness was recorded on the net investment hedge.

The following tables present the fair values of the derivative instruments included within the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

	March 31, 2016
	Notional Amount		Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Maturity
	(In millions)
Designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange hedges	$	3.8	$	0.2	Other current assets	April 2016
Foreign currency exchange hedges	$	77.5	$	1.9	Other current liabilities	April 2016 to March 2017
Net investment hedge	$	341.4	$	19.4	Long-term and other debt	November 2023

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

	December 31, 2015
	Notional Amount		Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Maturity
	(In millions)
Designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange hedges	$	56.7	$	2.7	Other current assets	January 2016 to October 2016
Foreign currency exchange hedges	$	23.7	$	0.4	Other current liabilities	January 2016 to September 2016
Net investment hedge	$	325.8	$	3.8	Long-term and other debt	November 2023
Not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency exchange forward contract	$	103.7	$	1.3	Other current liabilities	February 2016
Foreign currency exchange hedges	$	0.5	$	—	Other current liabilities	January 2016

Losses of $2.4 million, net of tax, were recognized in other comprehensive income for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 related to foreign currency exchange hedges designated as effective. Changes in the fair value of these hedges, excluding any ineffective portion are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged transactions affect net income. The ineffective portion of these cash flow hedges impacts net income when the ineffectiveness occurs. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, gains of $0.5 million were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income (cost of operations) and a de minimis amount of ineffectiveness was recorded. At March 31, 2016, $1.1 million is expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income in the coming 12 months.

Losses of $2.4 million, net of tax, were recognized in other comprehensive income for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 related to foreign currency exchange hedges designated as effective. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, gains of $0.8 million were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income (cost of operations) and a de minimis amount of ineffectiveness was recorded.

The following table summarizes activity related to and identifies the location of the Company's outstanding derivatives not designated as hedging instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 recognized in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income:

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016				Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Income Statement Location	Loss on Derivative Instruments			Income Statement Location	Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments
	(In millions)
Foreign currency exchange forward contract	General and administrative	$	(0.1	)	General and administrative	$	(13.7	)
Foreign currency exchange hedges	Cost of operations	$	—		Cost of operations	$	0.3

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, a de minimis gain related to interest rate derivatives not designated as hedging instruments was recognized in interest expense on long-term and other debt, net in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.

Gains and losses on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are included in other operating activities in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for all periods presented.

The Company limits its exposure on derivatives by entering into contracts with institutions that are established dealers who maintain certain minimum credit criteria established by the Company. At March 31, 2016, the Company does not maintain any derivative instruments subject to master agreements that would require the Company to post collateral or that contain any credit-risk related contingent features.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

10. DEFERRED REVENUE

The AIR MILES Reward Program collects fees from its sponsors based on the number of AIR MILES reward miles issued and, in limited circumstances, the number of AIR MILES reward miles redeemed. Because management has determined that the earnings process is not complete at the time an AIR MILES reward mile is issued, the recognition of redemption and service revenue is deferred.

A reconciliation of deferred revenue for the AIR MILES Reward Program is as follows:

	Deferred Revenue
	Service			Redemption			Total
	(In millions)
December 31, 2015	$	292.3		$	552.6		$	844.9
Cash proceeds		41.4			78.5			119.9
Revenue recognized		(44.0	)		(108.2	)		(152.2	)
Other		—			(0.1	)		(0.1	)
Effects of foreign currency translation		18.6			33.8			52.4
March 31, 2016	$	308.3		$	556.6		$	864.9
Amounts recognized in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets:
Current liabilities	$	156.8		$	556.6		$	713.4
Non-current liabilities	$	151.5		$	—		$	151.5

11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Regulatory Matters

On September 8, 2015, Comenity Bank and Comenity Capital Bank (collectively, the "Banks") each entered into a consent order with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") in settlement of the FDIC's review of the Banks' practices regarding the marketing, promotion and sale of certain add-on products. The Banks entered into the consent orders for the purpose of resolving these matters without admitting or denying any violations of law or regulation set forth in the orders. Under the consent orders, the Banks were required to collectively provide restitution of approximately $61.5 million to eligible customers for actions occurring between January 2008 and September 2014 and $2.5 million in civil money penalties to the FDIC. As of March 31, 2016, the Company has a remaining liability of $11.9 million, which was included in accrued expenses in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

12. REDEEMABLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

On January 2, 2014, the Company acquired a 60% ownership interest in BrandLoyalty. Pursuant to the BrandLoyalty share purchase agreement, the Company may acquire the remaining 40% ownership interest in BrandLoyalty over a four-year period from the acquisition date at 10% per year at predetermined valuation multiples. If specified annual earnings targets are met by BrandLoyalty, the Company must acquire the additional 10% ownership interest for the year achieved; otherwise, the sellers have a put option to sell the Company their 10% ownership interest for the respective year.

The specified annual earnings targets were met for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015. Accordingly, the Company acquired an additional 10% ownership interest each year, effective January 1, 2015 and 2016, increasing its ownership percentage to 70% and 80%, respectively. The Company paid €77.2 million ($87.4 million) and €91.1 million ($102.0 million) on February 10, 2015 and February 8, 2016, respectively, to acquire the additional 10% ownership interests. The remaining 20% interests held by minority interest shareholders are considered redeemable non-controlling interests, as the acquisition of these interests is outside of the Company's control.

As of March 31, 2016, the remaining interests are not redeemable, but are probable to be redeemed. In the first quarter of 2016, the Company adjusted the carrying amount of the redeemable non-controlling interest by $15.9 million to the estimated redemption value assuming the interests were redeemable as of March 31, 2016. The estimated redemption values are based on a formula as prescribed in the BrandLoyalty share purchase agreement.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

A reconciliation of the changes in the redeemable non-controlling interest is as follows:

	Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest
	(In millions)
Balance at January 1, 2015	$	235.6
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest		8.9
Other comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest		0.9
Adjustment to redemption value		45.0
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(24.1	)
Reclassification to accrued expenses		(98.9	)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	167.4
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest		1.8
Other comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest		(0.7	)
Adjustment to redemption value		15.9
Foreign currency translation adjustments		8.0
Balance at March 31, 2016	$	192.4

13. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Stock Repurchase Programs

On January 1, 2016, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to acquire up to $500.0 million of the Company's outstanding common stock from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. On February 15, 2016, the Company's Board of Directors authorized an increase to the stock repurchase program originally approved on January 1, 2016 to acquire an additional $500.0 million of the Company's outstanding common stock through December 31, 2016, for a total authorization of $1.0 billion. The stock repurchase program is subject to any restrictions pursuant to the terms of the Company's credit agreements, indentures, and applicable securities laws or otherwise.

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company acquired a total of 2.0 million shares of its common stock for $413.8 million, of which $5.0 million had not settled as of March 31, 2016. As of March 31, 2016, the Company had $586.2 million available under the stock repurchase program.

Stock Compensation Expense

Total stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
	(In millions)
Cost of operations	$	14.8	$	22.1
General and administrative		5.1		5.4
Total	$	19.9	$	27.5

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company awarded 277,036 performance-based restricted stock units with a weighted average grant date fair value per share of $187.49 as determined on the date of grant. The performance restriction on the awards will lapse upon determination by the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors that the Company's earnings before taxes for the period from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 met certain pre-defined vesting criteria that permit a range from 50% to 150% of such performance-based restricted stock units to vest. Upon such determination, the restrictions will lapse with respect to 33% of the award on February 16, 2017, an additional 33% of the award on February 16, 2018 and the final 34% of the award on February 16, 2019, provided that the participant is employed by the Company on each such vesting date.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company awarded 71,736 service-based restricted stock units with a weighted average grant date fair value per share of $189.01 as determined on the date of grant. Service-based restricted stock units typically vest ratably over three years provided that the participant is employed by the Company on each such vesting date.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

14. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax effects, are as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016	Net Unrealized Gains on Securities			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Net Investment Hedge			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments⁽¹⁾			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	(In millions)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	(0.1	)	$	1.3		$	(3.8	)	$	(134.7	)	$	(137.3	)
Changes in other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		1.9			(2.9	)		(15.6	)		25.2			8.6
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)		—			0.5			—			—			0.5
Changes in other comprehensive income (loss)		1.9			(2.4	)		(15.6	)		25.2			9.1
Balance at March 31, 2016	$	1.8		$	(1.1	)	$	(19.4	)	$	(109.5	)	$	(128.2	)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015	Net Unrealized Gains on Securities		Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Net Investment Hedge		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments⁽¹⁾			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	(In millions)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	2.7	$	2.3		$	—	$	(80.5	)	$	(75.5	)
Changes in other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		0.9		(3.2	)		—		(62.6	)		(64.9	)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)		—		0.8			—		—			0.8
Changes in other comprehensive income (loss)		0.9		(2.4	)		—		(62.6	)		(64.1	)
Balance at March 31, 2015	$	3.6	$	(0.1	)	$	—	$	(143.1	)	$	(139.6	)

⁽¹⁾	Primarily related to the impact of changes in the Canadian dollar and Euro foreign currency exchange rates.

15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In accordance with ASC 825, "Financial Instruments," the Company is required to disclose the fair value of financial instruments for which it is practical to estimate fair value. To obtain fair values, observable market prices are used if available. In some instances, observable market prices are not readily available and fair value is determined using present value or other techniques appropriate for a particular financial instrument. These techniques involve judgment and as a result are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company would realize in a current market exchange. The use of different assumptions or estimation techniques may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments — The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as follows:

	March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(In millions)
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	970.0	$	970.0	$	1,168.0	$	1,168.0
Trade receivables, net		595.8		595.8		706.5		706.5
Credit card and loan receivables, net		12,762.9		13,570.9		13,057.9		13,057.9
Credit card and loan receivables held for sale		507.4		553.3		95.5		95.5
Redemption settlement assets, restricted		495.2		495.2		456.6		456.6
Other investments		223.2		223.2		220.4		220.4
Cash collateral, restricted		8.3		8.3		7.2		7.2
Derivative instruments		0.2		0.2		2.7		2.7
Financial liabilities
Accounts payable		404.0		404.0		442.4		442.4
Derivative instruments		1.9		1.9		1.7		1.7
Deposits		6,082.6		6,159.3		5,605.9		5,654.6
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		6,324.1		6,372.7		6,482.7		6,502.7
Long-term and other debt		5,524.2		5,528.5		5,017.4		5,040.0

The following techniques and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating fair values of financial instruments as disclosed herein:

Cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, net and accounts payable — The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short maturity and the relatively liquid nature of these assets and liabilities.

Credit card and loan receivables, net — The Company utilizes a discounted cash flow model using unobservable inputs, including estimated yields (interest and fee income), loss rates, payment rates and discount rates to estimate the fair value measurement of the credit card and loan receivables.

Credit card and loan receivables held for sale — Loan receivables held for sale are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, and their carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short duration of the holding period of the receivables prior to sale. The fair value of credit card portfolios held for sale is based on significant unobservable inputs, including forecasted yields and net loss estimates.

Redemption settlement assets, restricted — Redemption settlement assets, restricted are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices for the same or similar securities.

Cash collateral, restricted — Cash collateral, restricted consists of spread deposits and excess funding deposits and is included in other non-current assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Spread deposits are held by a trustee or agent and are used to absorb shortfalls in the available net cash flows related to securitized credit card receivables if those available net cash flows are insufficient to satisfy certain obligations of the WFN Trusts and WFC Trust. Spread deposits are recorded at their fair value based on discounted cash flow models. The Company uses a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated cash flows for each asset. The fair value is based on the term of the underlying securities and a discount rate. Excess funding deposits represent cash amounts deposited with the trustee of the securitizations and are used to supplement seller's interest. The carrying amount of excess funding deposits approximates its fair value due to the relatively short maturity period and average interest rates, which approximate current market rates.

Other investments — Other investments consist of marketable securities and U.S. Treasury bonds and are included in other current assets and other non-current assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Other investments are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices for the same or similar securities.

Deposits — The fair value is estimated based on the current observable market rates available to the Company for similar deposits with similar remaining maturities.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities — The fair value is estimated based on the current observable market rates available to the Company for similar debt instruments with similar remaining maturities or quoted market prices for the same transaction.

Long-term and other debt — The fair value is estimated based on the current observable market rates available to the Company for similar debt instruments with similar remaining maturities or quoted market prices for the same transaction.

Derivative instruments — The Company's foreign currency cash flow hedges are included in other current assets and other current liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and are recorded at fair value based on a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflected the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and used observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and option volatility. The fair value of the foreign currency derivative instruments is estimated based on published quotations of spot foreign currency rates and forward points which are converted into implied foreign currency rates.

Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Fair Value Hierarchy

ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include:

Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;

Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and

Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs where little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

Financial instruments are considered Level 3 when their values are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar techniques and at least one significant model assumption or input is unobservable. Level 3 financial instruments also include those for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. The use of different techniques to determine fair value of these financial instruments could result in different estimates of fair value at the reporting date.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

The following tables provide information for the assets and liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

			Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2016 Using
	Balance at March 31, 2016		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In millions)
Mutual funds ⁽¹⁾	$	26.7	$	26.7	$	—	$	—
Corporate bonds ⁽¹⁾		243.6		—		243.6		—
Marketable securities ⁽²⁾		122.2		5.0		117.2		—
U.S. Treasury bonds ⁽²⁾		101.0		101.0		—		—
Cash collateral, restricted ⁽³⁾		8.3		3.3		—		5.0
Derivative instruments ⁽⁴⁾		0.2		—		0.2		—
Total assets measured at fair value	$	502.0	$	136.0	$	361.0	$	5.0

Derivative instruments ⁽⁴⁾	$	1.9	$	—	$	1.9	$	—
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	1.9	$	—	$	1.9	$	—

			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015 Using
	Balance at December 31, 2015		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In millions)
Mutual funds ⁽¹⁾	$	24.9	$	24.9	$	—	$	—
Corporate bonds ⁽¹⁾		161.4		—		161.4		—
Marketable securities ⁽²⁾		120.2		4.8		115.4		—
U.S. Treasury bonds ⁽²⁾		100.2		100.2		—		—
Cash collateral, restricted ⁽³⁾		7.2		2.3		—		4.9
Derivative instruments ⁽⁴⁾		2.7		—		2.7		—
Total assets measured at fair value	$	416.6	$	132.2	$	279.5	$	4.9

Derivative instruments ⁽⁴⁾	$	1.7	$	—	$	1.7	$	—
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	1.7	$	—	$	1.7	$	—

⁽¹⁾	Amounts are included in redemption settlement assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

⁽²⁾	Amounts are included in other current assets and other non-current assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

⁽³⁾	Amounts are included in other non-current assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

⁽⁴⁾	Amounts are included in other current assets and other current liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 within the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of the Company's asset and liability measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as defined in ASC 825:

	Cash Collateral, Restricted				Contingent Consideration
	Three Months Ended March 31,				Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015		2016		2015
	(In millions)
Balance at beginning of period	$	4.9	$	22.5	$	—	$	326.0
Total gains (realized or unrealized):
Included in earnings		0.1		0.2		—		0.5
Purchases		—		—		—		—
Sales		—		—		—		—
Issuances		—		—		—		—
Settlements		—		—		—		(305.5	)
Foreign currency transaction adjustments		—		—		—		(21.0	)
Transfers in or out of Level 3		—		—		—		—
Balance at end of period	$	5.0	$	22.7	$	—	$	—

Gains for the period included in earnings related to assets still held at end of period	$	0.1	$	0.2	$	—	$	—

Spread deposits included in cash collateral, restricted are recorded at their fair value based on discounted cash flow models, utilizing the term of 7 months. The unobservable input used to calculate the fair value was the discount rate of 3.5%, which was based on an interest rate curve that is observable in the market as adjusted for a credit spread. Significant increases in the term or the discount rate would result in a lower fair value. Conversely, significant decreases in the term or the discount rate would result in a higher fair value. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, gains included in earnings attributable to cash collateral, restricted were included in securitization funding costs in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.

The contingent consideration represents the additional consideration that the Company was required to pay as part of the earn-out provisions included in the BrandLoyalty share purchase agreement. The fair value was determined based on BrandLoyalty's earnings for the year ended December 31, 2014 using the methodology defined in the BrandLoyalty share purchase agreement. The obligation was settled in the first quarter of 2015.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Financial Instruments Disclosed but Not Carried at Fair Value

The following tables provide assets and liabilities disclosed but not carried at fair value as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

	Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2016
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In millions)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	970.0	$	970.0	$	—	$	—
Credit card and loan receivables, net		13,570.9		—		—		13,570.9
Credit card and loan receivables held for sale		553.3		—		—		553.3
Total	$	15,094.2	$	970.0	$	—	$	14,124.2

Financial liabilities:
Deposits	$	6,159.3	$	—	$	6,159.3	$	—
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		6,372.7		—		6,372.7		—
Long-term and other debt		5,528.5		—		5,528.5		—
Total	$	18,060.5	$	—	$	18,060.5	$	—

	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In millions)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,168.0	$	1,168.0	$	—	$	—
Credit card and loan receivables, net		13,057.9		—		—		13,057.9
Credit card and loan receivables held for sale		95.5		—		—		95.5
Total	$	14,321.4	$	1,168.0	$	—	$	13,153.4

Financial liabilities:
Deposits	$	5,654.6	$	—	$	5,654.6	$	—
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities		6,502.7		—		6,502.7		—
Long-term and other debt		5,040.0		—		5,040.0		—
Total	$	17,197.3	$	—	$	17,197.3	$	—

16. INCOME TAXES

For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company utilized an effective tax rate of 35.3% and 33.1%, respectively, to calculate its provision for income taxes. The effective tax rate for three months ended March 31, 2015 includes both a favorable state ruling and a lapse in an applicable statute of limitations.

17. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Operating segments are defined by ASC 280, "Segment Reporting," as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company's chief operating decision maker is the President and Chief Executive Officer. The operating segments are reviewed separately because each operating segment represents a strategic business unit that generally offers different products.

Index

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

The Company operates in the following reportable segments: LoyaltyOne, Epsilon, and Card Services. Segment operations consist of the following:

•

LoyaltyOne provides coalition and short-term loyalty programs through the Company's Canadian AIR MILES Reward Program and BrandLoyalty;

•

Epsilon provides end-to-end, integrated marketing solutions that leverage rich data, analytics, creativity and technology to help clients more effectively acquire, retain and grow relationships with their customers; and

•

Card Services provides risk management solutions, account origination, funding, transaction processing, customer care, collections and marketing services for the Company's private label and co-brand retail credit card programs.

Corporate and other immaterial businesses are reported collectively as an "all other" category labeled "Corporate/Other." Income taxes are not allocated to the segments in the computation of segment operating profit for internal evaluation purposes and have also been included in "Corporate/Other."

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016	LoyaltyOne			Epsilon			Card Services		Corporate/ Other			Eliminations			Total
	(In millions)
Revenues	$	354.6		$	493.3		$	835.5	$	0.1		$	(7.4	)	$	1,676.1

Income (loss) before income taxes	$	55.8		$	(12.5	)	$	283.7	$	(81.5	)	$	—		$	245.5
Interest expense, net		(0.1	)		—			47.6		51.3			—			98.8
Operating income (loss)		55.7			(12.5	)		331.3		(30.2	)		—			344.3
Depreciation and amortization		20.9			84.7			20.1		2.7			—			128.4
Stock compensation expense		2.6			8.5			3.7		5.1			—			19.9
Adjusted EBITDA ⁽¹⁾		79.2			80.7			355.1		(22.4	)		—			492.6
Less: Securitization funding costs		—			—			30.4		—			—			30.4
Less: Interest expense on deposits		—			—			17.2		—			—			17.2
Less: Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non-controlling interest		5.5			—			—		—			—			5.5
Adjusted EBITDA, net ⁽¹⁾	$	73.7		$	80.7		$	307.5	$	(22.4	)	$	—		$	439.5

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015	LoyaltyOne		Epsilon		Card Services		Corporate/ Other			Eliminations			Total
	(In millions)
Revenues	$	388.0	$	504.9	$	714.7	$	0.1		$	(6.5	)	$	1,601.2

Income (loss) before income taxes	$	53.8	$	7.0	$	259.7	$	(74.0	)	$	—		$	246.5
Interest expense, net		0.7		—		35.6		41.7			—			78.0
Operating income (loss)		54.5		7.0		295.3		(32.3	)		—			324.5
Depreciation and amortization		19.9		81.2		18.3		2.2			—			121.6
Stock compensation expense		3.0		15.4		3.7		5.4			—			27.5
Adjusted EBITDA ⁽¹⁾		77.4		103.6		317.3		(24.7	)		—			473.6
Less: Securitization funding costs		—		—		23.8		—			—			23.8
Less: Interest expense on deposits		—		—		11.7		—			—			11.7
Less: Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non-controlling interest		7.8		—		—		—			—			7.8
Adjusted EBITDA, net ⁽¹⁾	$	69.6	$	103.6	$	281.8	$	(24.7	)	$	—		$	430.3

⁽¹⁾

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to net income, the most directly comparable financial measure based on GAAP plus stock compensation expense, provision for income taxes, interest expense, net, depreciation and other amortization, and the amortization of purchased intangibles. Adjusted EBITDA, net is also a non-GAAP financial measure equal to adjusted EBITDA less securitization funding costs, interest expense on deposits and adjusted EBITDA attributable to the non-controlling interest. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, net are presented in accordance with ASC 280 as they are the primary performance metrics utilized to assess performance of the segments.

18. NON-CASH FINANCING AND INVESTING ACTIVITIES

In March 2016, the Company purchased 23,144 treasury shares under the Company's stock repurchase program for an aggregate amount of $5.0 million that had not settled as of March 31, 2016 and was included in accounts payable in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Index

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto presented in this quarterly report and the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on February 25, 2016.

First Quarter 2016 Highlights and Recent Developments

•

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to three months ended March 31, 2015:

•

Revenue increased 5% to $1.7 billion.

•

Net income decreased 4% to $158.9 million.

•

Adjusted EBITDA, net increased 2% to $439.5 million.

•

Earnings per share increased 1% to $2.35.

•

We repurchased approximately 2.0 million shares for $413.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

•

Effective January 1, 2016, we acquired an additional 10% ownership interest in BrandLoyalty Group B.V., or BrandLoyalty, for approximately $102.0 million, bringing our total ownership interest to 80%.

•

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we purchased three existing private label credit card portfolios for total consideration paid of $755.3 million, subject to customary purchase price adjustments.

LoyaltyOne^®

LoyaltyOne generates revenue primarily from our coalition and short-term loyalty programs through our AIR MILES^® Reward Program and BrandLoyalty.

Revenue for the LoyaltyOne segment decreased 9% to $354.6 million and adjusted EBITDA, net increased 6% to $73.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, in each case as compared to the prior year period. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar against both the Euro and Canadian dollar negatively impacted revenue and adjusted EBITDA, net by approximately $23.9 million and $5.9 million, respectively. Excluding foreign currency impacts, revenue decreased approximately 2% and adjusted EBITDA, net increased approximately 14%. Revenue was negatively impacted by different timing of short-term loyalty programs of our clients between years. These short-term loyalty programs are typically 12-20 weeks in duration and the number in market can move between quarters on an annual basis. Adjusted EBITDA increased due to margin expansion as a result of strong cost controls and lower product procurement costs.

Our short-term loyalty programs have continued their expansion into North America. After entering Canada in 2015, we launched one pilot program in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2016 and expect to launch a second U.S. program later this year.

For the AIR MILES Reward Program, AIR MILES reward miles issued and AIR MILES reward miles redeemed are the two primary drivers of revenue and indicators of success of the program. The number of AIR MILES reward miles issued impacts the number of future AIR MILES reward miles available to be redeemed. This can also impact future revenue recognized with respect to the number of AIR MILES reward miles redeemed and the amount of breakage for those AIR MILES reward miles expected to remain unredeemed.

AIR MILES reward miles issued during the three months ended March 31, 2016 increased 5% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015 due to increased promotional activity by our sponsors and growth in our instant reward program option, AIR MILES Cash. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the AIR MILES Cash program option represented approximately 21% of the AIR MILES reward miles issued and 20% of the AIR MILES reward miles redeemed. AIR MILES reward miles redeemed increased 6% due to higher redemptions within the AIR MILES Cash program option.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, LoyaltyOne announced an expansion of our relationship with Sobeys to begin to issue AIR MILES reward miles at Needs Convenience and Sobeys express convenience store locations in all Atlantic-Canadian provinces.

Index

Epsilon^®

Epsilon is a leading marketing services firm providing end-to-end, integrated marketing solutions that leverage rich data, analytics, creativity and technology to help clients more effectively acquire, retain and grow relationships with their customers. Services include strategic consulting, customer database technologies, omnichannel marketing, loyalty management, proprietary data, predictive modeling, permission-based email marketing, personalized digital marketing and a full range of direct and digital agency services.

Revenue decreased 2% to $493.3 million and adjusted EBITDA, net decreased 22% to $80.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the prior year. We observed weakness in our agency offerings, specifically in the telecommunications, consumer packaged goods and retail verticals, and adjusted EBITDA was negatively impacted by the decline in revenue and an increase in payroll costs in the current quarter. These declines were offset in part by an 8% increase in digital and technology platforms revenue, driven by strength in customer relationship marketing services as well as the onboarding of new clients.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, Epsilon announced new multi-year agreements with Lamps Plus, a national lighting retailer, to provide targeted email marketing services, and Shire plc, a global biotechnology company, to build and host a database platform and provide database marketing services.

Card Services

Card Services provides risk management solutions, account origination, funding services, transaction processing, marketing, customer care and collection services for our more than 160 private label retail and co-branded credit card programs.

Revenue, generated primarily from finance charges and late fees as well as other servicing fees, increased 17% to $835.5 million and adjusted EBITDA, net increased 9% to $307.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the prior year period. These increases were driven by higher average credit card and loan receivables, which increased 27% as compared to the prior year period as a result of increased credit sales, recent client signings and recent credit card portfolio acquisitions. Credit sales increased 25% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 due to strong credit cardholder spending and cardholder growth due to recent client signings and credit card portfolio acquisitions.

Delinquency rates were 4.3% of principal credit card and loan receivables at March 31, 2016 as compared to 3.9% at March 31, 2015. The principal net charge-off rate was 5.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to 4.5% for the prior year period. For the year ended December 31, 2016, we expect our charge-off rate to approximate 5.0%.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, Card Services announced a new long-term agreement to provide private label credit card services to Boscov's Department Store, LLC, a national department store chain.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from the information provided in Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," included in our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

Recently Issued Pronouncements

See "Recently Issued Accounting Standards" under Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of certain accounting standards that have been recently issued.

Index

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to net income, the most directly comparable financial measure based on accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, plus stock compensation expense, provision for income taxes, interest expense, net, depreciation and other amortization, and the amortization of purchased intangibles. Adjusted EBITDA, net is also a non-GAAP financial measure equal to adjusted EBITDA less securitization funding costs, interest expense on deposits and adjusted EBITDA attributable to the non-controlling interest.

We use adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, net as an integral part of our internal reporting to measure the performance of our reportable segments and to evaluate the performance of our senior management. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, net are each considered an important indicator of the operational strength of our businesses. Adjusted EBITDA eliminates the uneven effect across all business segments of considerable amounts of non-cash depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of intangible assets, including certain intangible assets that were recognized in business combinations. A limitation of this measure, however, is that it does not reflect the periodic costs of certain capitalized tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenues in our businesses. Management evaluates the costs of such tangible and intangible assets, such as capital expenditures, investment spending and return on capital and therefore the effects are excluded from adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA also eliminates the non-cash effect of stock compensation expense.

We believe that adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, net provide useful information to our investors regarding our performance and overall results of operations. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, net are not intended to be performance measures that should be regarded as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, either operating income or net income as indicators of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. In addition, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, net are not intended to represent funds available for dividends, reinvestment or other discretionary uses, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

The adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, net measures presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies, and may not be identical to corresponding measures used in our various agreements.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
	(In millions)
Net income	$	158.9	$	164.8
Stock compensation expense		19.9		27.5
Provision for income taxes		86.6		81.7
Interest expense, net		98.8		78.0
Depreciation and other amortization		39.8		33.6
Amortization of purchased intangibles		88.6		88.0
Adjusted EBITDA		492.6		473.6
Less: Securitization funding costs		30.4		23.8
Less: Interest expense on deposits		17.2		11.7
Less: Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non-controlling interest		5.5		7.8
Adjusted EBITDA, net	$	439.5	$	430.3

Index

Consolidated Results of Operations

Three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015

	Three Months Ended March 31,				% Change
	2016		2015		2016 to 2015
Revenues	(In millions, except percentages)
Transaction	$	82.5	$	93.3		(12	)%
Redemption		278.2		308.1		(10	)
Finance charges, net		808.0		679.5		19
Marketing services		452.0		471.2		(4	)
Other revenue		55.4		49.1		13
Total revenue		1,676.1		1,601.2		5	%
Operating expenses
Cost of operations (exclusive of depreciation and amortization disclosed separately below)		1,003.9		990.0		1
Provision for loan loss		171.9		134.9		27
General and administrative		27.6		30.2		(9	)
Depreciation and other amortization		39.8		33.6		18
Amortization of purchased intangibles		88.6		88.0		1
Total operating expenses		1,331.8		1,276.7		4	%
Operating income		344.3		324.5		6	%
Interest expense
Securitization funding costs		30.4		23.8		28
Interest expense on deposits		17.2		11.7		46
Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net		51.2		42.5		21
Total interest expense, net		98.8		78.0		27
Income before income tax	$	245.5	$	246.5		—	%
Provision for income taxes		86.6		81.7		6
Net income	$	158.9	$	164.8		(4	)%

Key Operating Metrics:
Credit card statements generated		65.5		58.7		12	%
Credit sales	$	6,178.2	$	4,959.8		25	%
Average credit card and loan receivables	$	13,536.7	$	10,677.3		27	%
AIR MILES reward miles issued		1,286.3		1,228.9		5	%
AIR MILES reward miles redeemed		1,283.9		1,212.6		6	%

Revenue. Total revenue increased $74.9 million, or 5%, to $1.7 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from $1.6 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The net increase was due to the following:

•

Transaction. Revenue decreased $10.8 million, or 12%, to $82.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as a result of a $7.5 million decrease in servicing fees charged to our credit cardholders due to changes in program fee structures as well as a $2.8 million decrease in AIR MILES reward miles issuance fees, for which we provide marketing and administrative services, due to the decline in the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar.

•

Redemption. Revenue decreased $29.9 million, or 10%, to $278.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Redemption revenue was negatively impacted by the decline in both the Euro and Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar, which resulted in a $15.8 million decrease in revenue. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, redemption revenue decreased $14.1 million due to an $18.2 million decrease resulting from the timing of short-term loyalty programs in market for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the prior year period, offset by an increase in revenue from our coalition loyalty program due to a 6% increase in the number of AIR MILES reward miles redeemed.

Index

•

Finance charges, net. Revenue increased $128.5 million, or 19%, to $808.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. This increase was driven by a 27% increase in average credit card and loan receivables, which increased revenue $182.0 million through a combination of recent credit card portfolio acquisitions and strong cardholder spending. This increase was offset in part by an approximate 160 basis point decline in yield due to improvement in early stage delinquencies and the onboarding of new programs, which decreased revenue by $53.5 million.

•

Marketing Services. Revenue decreased $19.2 million, or 4%, to $452.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The decrease in revenue was driven by weakness in our agency offerings, specifically in the telecommunications, consumer packaged goods and retail verticals.

•

Other revenue. Revenue increased $6.3 million, or 13%, to $55.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 due to additional consulting services provided by Epsilon.

Cost of operations. Cost of operations increased $13.9 million, or 1%, to $1,003.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to $990.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The slight net increase was due to the following:

•

Within the LoyaltyOne segment, cost of operations decreased $35.5 million due to the decline in both the Euro and Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar, which resulted in an $18.1 million decrease in cost of operations. Additionally, excluding the impact of foreign exchange, cost of redemptions declined $20.6 million related to our short-term loyalty programs with fewer programs in market for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the prior year period.

•

Within the Epsilon segment, cost of operations increased $4.4 million due to a $6.9 million increase in payroll and benefit expenses.

•

Within the Card Services segment, cost of operations increased by $46.0 million, with a $33.6 million increase in credit card processing expenses due to growth. Additionally, payroll and benefit expenses increased $12.4 million due to an increase in the number of associates to support growth.

Provision for loan loss. Provision for loan loss increased $37.0 million, or 27%, to $171.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to $134.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The increase in the provision was driven by higher ending credit card and loan receivables as well as an increase in losses.

General and administrative. General and administrative expenses decreased $2.6 million, or 9%, to $27.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to $30.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as lower payroll and benefit expenses were offset in part by net foreign currency exchange gains related to the February 2015 settlement of the contingent liability associated with the BrandLoyalty acquisition.

Depreciation and other amortization. Depreciation and other amortization increased $6.2 million, or 18%, to $39.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to $33.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, due to additional assets placed into service from recent capital expenditures.

Amortization of purchased intangibles. Amortization of purchased intangibles increased slightly to $88.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to $88.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The increase is driven by additional amortization associated with the intangible assets from recent portfolio acquisitions.

Interest expense, net. Total interest expense, net increased $20.8 million, or 27%, to $98.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to $78.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The increase was due to the following:

•

Securitization funding costs. Securitization funding costs increased $6.6 million due to higher average borrowings with comparable average interest rates.

•

Interest expense on deposits. Interest expense on deposits increased $5.5 million due to higher average borrowings and higher average interest rates.

•

Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net. Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net increased $8.7 million due to a $4.3 million increase related to the €300.0 million senior notes due 2023 issued in November 2015 and a $5.0 million increase related to the credit facility due to higher average balances resulting from the $200.0 million incremental term loans borrowed in September 2015 and borrowings on our revolving line of credit, as well as slightly higher average interest rates.

Taxes. Income tax expense increased $4.9 million to $86.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from $81.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 due to a higher effective tax rate. In 2015 the effective tax rate was positively impacted by both a favorable state tax ruling and a lapse in an applicable statute of limitations.

Index

Segment Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA, net

	Three Months Ended March 31,						% Change
	2016			2015			2016 to 2015
Revenue:	(In millions, except percentages)
LoyaltyOne	$	354.6		$	388.0			(9	)%
Epsilon		493.3			504.9			(2	)
Card Services		835.5			714.7			17
Corporate/Other		0.1			0.1		nm
Eliminations		(7.4	)		(6.5	)	nm
Total	$	1,676.1		$	1,601.2			5	%
Adjusted EBITDA, net ⁽¹⁾:
LoyaltyOne	$	73.7		$	69.6			6	%
Epsilon		80.7			103.6			(22	)
Card Services		307.5			281.8			9
Corporate/Other		(22.4	)		(24.7	)		(9	)
Eliminations		—			—		nm
Total	$	439.5		$	430.3			2	%

⁽¹⁾

Adjusted EBITDA, net is equal to net income, plus stock compensation expense, provision for income taxes, interest expense, net, depreciation and amortization and amortization of purchased intangibles, less securitization funding costs, interest expense on deposits and adjusted EBITDA attributable to the non-controlling interest. For a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA, net to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, see "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" included in this report.

nm – not meaningful.

Three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015

•

LoyaltyOne. Revenue decreased $33.4 million, or 9%, to $354.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Revenue was negatively impacted by the decline in both the Euro and Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar, which resulted in a $23.9 million decrease in revenue. Additionally, revenue was negatively impacted by the timing of short-term loyalty programs in market during the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the prior year period.

•

Epsilon. Revenue decreased $11.6 million, or 2%, to $493.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 due to a $39.4 million decrease in our agency offerings, specifically in the telecommunications, consumer packaged goods and retail verticals. This weakness was offset in part by a $27.8 million increase in digital and technology platforms revenue, driven by strength in customer relationship marketing services as well as the onboarding of new clients.

•

Card Services. Revenue increased $120.8 million, or 17%, to $835.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, driven by a $128.5 million increase in finance charges, net as a result of a 27% increase in average credit card and loan receivables due to recent portfolio acquisitions and strong cardholder spending.

Adjusted EBITDA, net. Adjusted EBITDA, net increased $9.2 million, or 2%, to $439.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from $430.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The net increase was due to the following:

•

LoyaltyOne. Adjusted EBITDA, net increased $4.1 million, or 6%, to $73.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Adjusted EBITDA margins expanded in the current year period as a result of strong cost controls and lower product procurement costs, but this expansion was offset in part by a weaker Canadian dollar and Euro against the U.S. dollar, which negatively impacted adjusted EBITDA, net by $5.9 million.

•

Epsilon. Adjusted EBITDA, net decreased $22.9 million, or 22%, to $80.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, primarily due to the decline in revenue coupled with an increase in payroll costs in the current year period.

•

Card Services. Adjusted EBITDA, net increased $25.7 million, or 9%, to $307.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Adjusted EBITDA, net was positively impacted by an increase in finance charges, net, but offset in part by both an increase in operating expenses due to increased volumes and an increase in the provision for loan loss resulting from the increase in credit card and loan receivables.

•

Corporate/Other. Adjusted EBITDA, net increased $2.3 million to a loss of $22.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as lower payroll and benefit expenses were offset in part by net foreign currency exchange gains related to the February 2015 settlement of the contingent liability associated with the BrandLoyalty acquisition.

Index

Asset Quality

Our delinquency and net charge-off rates reflect, among other factors, the credit risk of our credit card and loan receivables, the success of our collection and recovery efforts, and general economic conditions.

Delinquencies. A credit card account is contractually delinquent when we do not receive the minimum payment by the specified due date on the cardholder's statement. Our policy is to continue to accrue interest and fee income on all credit card accounts beyond 90 days, except in limited circumstances, until the credit card account balance and all related interest and other fees are paid or charged-off, typically at 180 days delinquent. When an account becomes delinquent, a message is printed on the credit cardholder's billing statement requesting payment. After an account becomes 30 days past due, a proprietary collection scoring algorithm automatically scores the risk of the account becoming further delinquent. The collection system then recommends a collection strategy for the past due account based on the collection score and account balance and dictates the contact schedule and collections priority for the account. If we are unable to make a collection after exhausting all in-house collection efforts, we may engage collection agencies and outside attorneys to continue those efforts.

The following table presents the delinquency trends of our credit card and loan receivables portfolio:

	March 31, 2016		% of Total			December 31, 2015		% of Total
	(In millions, except percentages)
Receivables outstanding – principal	$	12,881.4		100.0	%	$	13,196.4		100.0	%
Principal receivables balances contractually delinquent:
31 to 60 days		174.5		1.4	%		178.5		1.4	%
61 to 90 days		125.5		1.0			124.1		0.9
91 or more days		247.9		1.9			257.0		1.9
Total	$	547.9		4.3	%	$	559.6		4.2	%

Net Charge-Offs. Our net charge-offs include the principal amount of losses from cardholders unwilling or unable to pay their account balances, as well as bankrupt and deceased credit cardholders, less recoveries and exclude charged-off interest, fees and fraud losses. Charged-off interest and fees reduce finance charges, net while fraud losses are recorded as an expense. Credit card and loan receivables, including unpaid interest and fees, are charged-off at the end of the month during which an account becomes 180 days contractually past due, except in the case of customer bankruptcies or death. Credit card and loan receivables, including unpaid interest and fees, associated with customer bankruptcies or death are charged-off at the end of each month subsequent to 60 days after the receipt of notification of the bankruptcy or death, but in any case, not later than the 180-day contractual time frame.

The net charge-off rate is calculated by dividing net charge-offs of principal receivables for the period by the average credit card and loan receivables for the period. Average credit card and loan receivables represent the average balance of the cardholder receivables at the beginning of each month in the periods indicated. The following table presents our net charge-offs for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
	(In millions, except percentages)
Average credit card receivables	$	13,536.7		$	10,677.3
Net charge-offs of principal receivables		176.4			119.9
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average credit card receivables		5.2	%		4.5	%

See Note 3, "Credit Card and Loan Receivables," of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the securitization of our credit card receivables.

Index

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity include cash generated from operating activities, our credit card securitization program, deposits issued by Comenity Bank and Comenity Capital Bank, our credit agreement and issuances of debt and equity securities. In addition to our efforts to renew and expand our current liquidity sources, we continue to seek new funding sources.

Quantitative measures established by regulations to ensure capital adequacy require Comenity Bank and Comenity Capital Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1 and total capital to risk weighted assets and of Tier 1 capital to average assets. As of March 31, 2016, Comenity Bank's Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio was 14.6%, Tier 1 capital ratio was 14.6%, total capital ratio was 15.9% and leverage ratio was 13.7%. As of March 31, 2016, Comenity Capital Bank's Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio was 12.9%, Tier 1 capital ratio was 12.9%, total capital ratio was 14.2% and leverage ratio was 13.3%. Comenity Bank and Comenity Capital Bank are considered well capitalized.

Our primary uses of cash are for ongoing business operations, repayments of our debt, capital expenditures, investments or acquisitions, and stock repurchases.

We may from time to time seek to retire or purchase our outstanding debt through cash purchases or exchanges for other securities, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

We believe that internally generated funds and other sources of liquidity discussed below will be sufficient to meet working capital needs, capital expenditures, and other business requirements for at least the next 12 months.

Cash Flow Activity

Operating Activities. We generated cash flow from operating activities of $257.4 million and $174.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase in operating cash flows during the quarter ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the prior year period is driven by the settlement of the contingent liability associated with the BrandLoyalty acquisition during the quarter ended March 31, 2015. Changes in the fair value of the contingent liability from the initial valuation are classified as an adjustment to operating cash flows and as such, the adjustment of $99.6 million during the first quarter of 2015 negatively impacted our operating cash flow. This increase in cash flow from operating activities was offset in part by an increase in cash used in working capital during the current year period, due primarily to the reduction of accounts payable and accrued expenses.

Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities was $747.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to cash provided by investing activities of $337.3 million for the prior year period. Significant components of investing activities are as follows:

•

Restricted cash. The use of cash increased $312.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 due to the principal accumulation for the repayment of non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitized debt that matures in May 2016.

•

Credit card and loan receivables, net. Cash increased $383.9 million and $401.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, due to the seasonal paydown of credit card and loan receivables.

•

Purchase of credit card portfolios. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we paid $755.3 million to acquire three private label credit card portfolios.

Financing Activities. Cash provided by financing activities was $286.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to cash used in financing activities of $811.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the primary sources of cash were net borrowings under our debt agreements, including the asset-backed conduit facilities. These sources were partially offset by uses of $408.8 million to acquire treasury shares and $102.0 million to acquire an additional 10% ownership in BrandLoyalty. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the primary uses of cash were $542.6 million to acquire treasury shares, $205.9 million to settle the BrandLoyalty contingent liability and $87.4 million to acquire an additional 10% ownership in BrandLoyalty.

Index

Debt

Long-term and Other Debt

As of March 31, 2016, we had $982.0 million outstanding under our credit facility and total availability of $318.0 million. Our total leverage ratio, as defined in our credit agreement, was 2.9 to 1 at March 31, 2016, as compared to the maximum covenant ratio of 3.5 to 1.

In April 2016, we extended the maturity of certain term loans with principal amount of $200.0 million from September 2016 to September 2017 and exercised in part the accordion feature to borrow incremental term loans in the aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million that bear interest at the same rates as, and are generally subject to the same terms as, the 2013 term loans.

As of March 31, 2016, we were in compliance with our debt covenants.

Deposits

We utilize money market deposits and certificates of deposit to finance the operating activities and fund securitization enhancement requirements of our bank subsidiaries, Comenity Bank and Comenity Capital Bank.

As of March 31, 2016, we had $1.6 billion in money market deposits outstanding with interest rates ranging from 0.48% to 0.67%. Money market deposits are redeemable on demand by the customer and, as such, have no scheduled maturity date.

Additionally, as of March 31, 2016, we had $4.5 billion in certificates of deposit outstanding with interest rates ranging from 0.43% to 2.80% and maturities ranging from April 2016 to November 2021. Certificate of deposit borrowings are subject to regulatory capital requirements.

Securitization Program

We sell a majority of the credit card receivables originated by Comenity Bank to WFN Credit Company, LLC, which in turn sells them to World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust, or Master Trust I, World Financial Network Credit Card Master Note Trust and World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust III, or collectively, the WFN Trusts, as part of our credit card securitization program, which has been in existence since January 1996. We also sell our credit card receivables originated by Comenity Capital Bank to World Financial Capital Credit Company, LLC, which in turn sells them to World Financial Capital Master Note Trust, or the WFC Trust. These securitization programs are the primary vehicle through which we finance Comenity Bank's and Comenity Capital Bank's credit card receivables.

As of March 31, 2016, the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust had approximately $9.5 billion of securitized credit card receivables. Securitizations require credit enhancements in the form of cash, spread deposits, additional receivables and subordinated classes. The credit enhancement is principally based on the outstanding balances of the series issued by the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust and by the performance of the credit card receivables in these credit card securitization trusts.

At March 31, 2016, we had $6.3 billion of non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities, of which $1.4 billion is due within the next 12 months. As of March 31, 2016, total capacity under the conduit facilities was $3.0 billion, of which $2.5 billion had been drawn and was included in non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The following table shows the maturities of borrowing commitments as of March 31, 2016 for the WFN Trusts and the WFC Trust by year:

	2016		2017		2018		2019		2020 and Thereafter		Total
	(In millions)
Term notes	$	600.0	$	950.0	$	991.0	$	802.2	$	475.0	$	3,818.2
Conduit facilities⁽¹⁾		—		2,950.0		—		—		—		2,950.0
Total⁽²⁾	$	600.0	$	3,900.0	$	991.0	$	802.2	$	475.0	$	6,768.2

⁽¹⁾	Amount represents borrowing capacity, not outstanding borrowings.

⁽²⁾	Total amounts do not include $2.1 billion of debt issued by the credit card securitization trusts, which was retained by us and has been eliminated in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

See Note 8, "Debt," of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our debt.

Index

Stock Repurchase Programs

On January 1, 2016, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to acquire up to $500.0 million of our outstanding common stock from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. On February 15, 2016, our Board of Directors authorized an increase to the stock repurchase program originally approved on January 1, 2016 to acquire an additional $500.0 million of our outstanding common stock through December 31, 2016, for a total authorization of $1.0 billion.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we repurchased approximately 2.0 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate amount of $413.8 million.

See Note 13, "Stockholders' Equity," of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our stock repurchases.

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and rates. Our primary market risks include interest rate risk, credit risk, and foreign currency exchange rate risk.

There has been no material change from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 related to our exposure to market risk from interest rate risk, credit risk, and foreign currency exchange rate risk.

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures.

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of March 31, 2016, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of March 31, 2016 (the end of our first fiscal quarter), our disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in such reports is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Form 10-Q and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements give our expectations or forecasts of future events and can generally be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "project," "plan," "likely," "may," "should" or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. We believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions. Forward-looking statements, however, are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or other expectations expressed in this report, and no assurances can be given that our expectations will prove to have been correct. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:

·	loss of, or reduction in demand for services from, significant clients;

·	increased redemptions by AIR MILES^® Reward Program collectors;

·	increases in the cost of doing business, including market interest rates;

·	loss of active AIR MILES Reward Program collectors;

·	disruptions in the airline or travel industries;

·	failure to identify or successfully integrate business acquisitions;

·	increases in net charge-offs in credit card and loan receivables;

·	inability to access the asset-backed securitization funding market;

·	unfavorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;

·	limitations on consumer credit, loyalty or marketing services from new legislative or regulatory actions related to consumer protection and consumer privacy;

·	increases in FDIC, Delaware or Utah regulatory capital requirements for banks;

·	failure to maintain exemption from regulation under the Bank Holding Company Act;

·	loss or disruption, due to cyber attack or other service failures, of data center operations or capacity;

·	loss of consumer information due to compromised physical or cyber security; and

·	those factors set forth in the Risk Factors section in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year as well as those factors discussed in Item 1A of this Form 10-Q, elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and in the documents incorporated by reference in this Form 10-Q.

If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from what we projected. Any forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q speak only as of the date made, and we undertake no obligation, other than as required by applicable law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events, anticipated or unanticipated circumstances or otherwise.

Index

PART II

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings.

From time to time we are involved in various claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of our business that we believe will not have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition, including claims and lawsuits alleging breaches of our contractual obligations. See Note 11, "Commitments and Contingencies," of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Item 1A.

Risk Factors.

Other than as set forth below, there have been no material changes to the Risk Factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Legislation relating to consumer privacy may affect our ability to collect data that we use in providing our loyalty and marketing services, which, among other things, could negatively affect our ability to satisfy our clients' needs.

The enactment of new or amended legislation or industry regulations pertaining to consumer or private sector privacy issues could have a material adverse impact on our marketing services. Legislation or industry regulations regarding consumer or private sector privacy issues could place restrictions upon the collection, sharing and use of information that is currently legally available, which could materially increase our cost of collecting some data. These types of legislation or industry regulations could also prohibit us from collecting or disseminating certain types of data, which could adversely affect our ability to meet our clients' requirements and our profitability and cash flow targets. While 48 states and the District of Columbia have enacted data breach notification laws, there is no such federal law generally applicable to our businesses. Data breach notification legislation has been proposed widely and exists in specific countries and jurisdictions in which we conduct business. If enacted, these legislative measures could impose strict requirements on reporting time frames for providing notice, as well as the contents of such notices. In addition to the United States, Canadian and European Union regulations discussed below, we have expanded our marketing services through the acquisition of companies formed and operating in foreign jurisdictions that may be subject to additional or more stringent legislation and regulations regarding consumer or private sector privacy.

In the United States, federal and state laws such as the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act, as amended by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003, make it more difficult to collect, share and use information that has previously been legally available and may increase our costs of collecting some data. Regulations under these acts give cardholders the ability to "opt out" of having information generated by their credit card purchases shared with other affiliated and unaffiliated parties or the public. Our ability to gather, share and utilize this data will be adversely affected if a significant percentage of the consumers whose purchasing behavior we track elect to "opt out," thereby precluding us and our affiliates from using their data.

In the United States, the federal Do-Not-Call Implementation Act makes it more difficult to telephonically communicate with prospective and existing customers. Similar measures were implemented in Canada beginning September 1, 2008. Regulations in both the United States and Canada give consumers the ability to "opt out," through a national do-not-call registry and state do-not-call registries of having telephone solicitations placed to them by companies that do not have an existing business relationship with the consumer. In addition, regulations require companies to maintain an internal do-not-call list for those who do not want the companies to solicit them through telemarketing. These regulations could limit our ability to provide services and information to our clients. Failure to comply with these regulations could have a negative impact on our reputation and subject us to significant penalties. Further, the Federal Communications Commission has approved interpretations of rules related to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act defining robo-calls, which may affect our ability to contact customers and may increase our litigation exposure.

In the United States, the federal Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003 restricts our ability to send commercial electronic mail messages, the primary purpose of which is advertising or promoting a commercial product or service, to our customers and prospective customers. The act requires that a commercial electronic mail message provide the customers with an opportunity to opt-out from receiving future commercial electronic mail messages from the sender. Failure to comply with the terms of this act could have a negative impact on our reputation and subject us to significant penalties.

Index

In Canada, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act requires an organization to obtain a consumer's consent to collect, use or disclose personal information. Under this act, consumer personal information may be used only for the purposes for which it was collected. We allow our customers to voluntarily "opt out" from receiving either one or both promotional and marketing mail or promotional and marketing electronic mail. Heightened consumer awareness of, and concern about, privacy may result in customers "opting out" at higher rates than they have historically. This would mean that a reduced number of customers would receive bonus and promotional offers and therefore those customers may collect fewer AIR MILES reward miles.

Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation may restrict our ability to send commercial "electronic messages," defined to include text, sound, voice and image messages to email, or similar accounts, where the primary purpose is advertising or promoting a commercial product or service to our customers and prospective customers. The Act requires, in part, that a sender have consent to send a commercial electronic message, and provide the customers with an opportunity to opt out from receiving future commercial electronic email messages from the sender. Failure to comply with the terms of this Act or any proposed regulations that may be adopted in the future could have a negative impact on our reputation and subject us to significant monetary penalties.

In the European Union, the Directive 95/46/EC of the EU Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 requires member states to implement and enforce a comprehensive data protection law that is based on principles designed to safeguard personal data, defined as any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person. The Directive frames certain requirements for transfer outside of the European Economic Area and individual rights such as consent requirements. In January 2012, the European Commission proposed the General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, a new European Union-wide legal framework to govern data sharing and collection and related consumer privacy rights. In December 2015, the EU Parliament and the EU Council reached informal agreement on the text of the GDPR, and in April 2016 both the EU Council and the EU Parliament adopted the GDPR. The new rules will take effect two years following the publication of the official texts in the Official Journal of the European Union in all official languages. The GDPR will replace the Directive and, because it is a regulation rather than a directive, will directly apply to and bind the 28 EU Member States. Compared to the Directive, the GDPR includes a strengthened notion of consent, the development of a 'one stop shop' mechanism for the jurisdiction of EU regulators and increased compliance and accountability requirements on data controllers and data processors. These and other terms of the GDPR could limit our ability to provide services and information to our customers. In addition, the GDPR includes significant new penalties for non-compliance, with fines up to the higher of €20 million ($23 million as of March 31, 2016) or 4% of total annual worldwide revenue.

In October 2015, the European Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that the EU-U.S. Safe Harbor Framework, an agreement setting forth standards by which U.S. companies could legally transfer personal data from the EU to the U.S., was invalid. Although reliance on the Safe Harbor was not the exclusive method by which such transfers of personal data could be legally made, the loss of the Safe Harbor could adversely affect our ability to transfer such data out of the EU and into the U.S. in providing service for our customers. The Privacy Shield, a proposed replacement for the invalidated Safe Harbor, has been announced by the European Commission but has not yet been finalized. Any failure to comply with our ongoing obligations with respect to data transfers previously made under the Safe Harbor, or, when and if effective, the Privacy Shield, could expose us to enforcement actions by the FTC or other regulatory authorities.

There is also rapid development of new privacy laws and regulations in the Asia Pacific region and elsewhere around the globe, including amendments of existing data protection laws to the scope of such laws and penalties for noncompliance. Failure to comply with these international data protection laws and regulations could have a negative impact on our reputation and subject us to significant penalties.

Index

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

The following table presents information with respect to purchases of our common stock made during the three months ended March 31, 2016:

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased⁽¹⁾		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs		Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs⁽²⁾
							(Dollars in millions)
During 2016:
January 1-31		465,757	$	231.44		458,606	$	893.9
February 1-29		1,282,381		197.06		1,268,250		644.0
March 1-31		279,468		211.74		273,144		586.2
Total		2,027,606	$	206.98		2,000,000	$	586.2

⁽¹⁾	During the period represented by the table, 27,606 shares of our common stock were purchased by the administrator of our 401(k) and Retirement Savings Plan for the benefit of the employees who participated in that portion of the plan.

⁽²⁾

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Item 5.

Other Information.

(a) None

(b) None

Index

Item 6.

Exhibits.

(a)

Exhibits:

EXHIBIT INDEX

						Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit No.		Filer		Description		Form		Exhibit		Filing Date


3.1	(a)	Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.	S-1	3.1	3/3/00

3.2	(a)	Certificate of Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.	8-K	3.1	6/7/13

3.3	(a)	Certificate of Retirement of Series A Preferred Stock of the Registrant dated March 23, 2016.	8-K	3.1	3/25/16

3.4	(a)	Fifth Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant.	8-K	3.1	2/1/16

4	(a)	Specimen Certificate for shares of Common Stock of the Registrant.	10-Q	4	8/8/03

10.1	(a)	Form of Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Alliance Data Systems Corporation 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan.	8-K	10.1	2/17/16

10.2	(a)	Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Alliance Data Systems Corporation 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (2016 grant).	8-K	10.2	2/17/16

10.3	(a)	Incremental Term Loan Extension Request, dated as of April 15, 2016, by and among Alliance Data Systems Corporation, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and Bank of America, N.A.	8-K	10.1	4/21/16

*31.1	(a)	Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Data Systems Corporation pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

*31.2	(a)	Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Alliance Data Systems Corporation pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

*32.1	(a)	Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Data Systems Corporation pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

*32.2	(a)	Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Alliance Data Systems Corporation pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

						Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit No.		Filer		Description		Form		Exhibit		Filing Date


*101.INS	(a)	XBRL Instance Document

*101.SCH	(a)	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

*101.CAL	(a)	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

*101.DEF	(a)	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

*101.LAB	(a)	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

*101.PRE	(a)	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

*	Filed herewith

+	Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement

(a)	Alliance Data Systems Corporation

Index

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION

	By:	/s/ Edward J. Heffernan
		Edward J. Heffernan
		President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: May 5, 2016

	By:	/s/ Charles L. Horn
		Charles L. Horn
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: May 5, 2016